
Homeless Shelter
If the resource information above is incorrect, please notify your local HUD field office.
Affecting millions of people in the United States every year, Homelessness is turning into a severe issue. High rates of unemployment, rise in housing costs and mental illnesses are the major reasons behind homelessness in the United States. If left untreated, homelessness can have drastic consequences such as trauma, violence, or mental illness.
Fortunately, Homeless Shelters provide a variety of services to homeless residents and their families who are unable to use a shelter or the ones who choose not to use a shelter. These homeless shelters allow the homeless residents to sleep at night and have meals and occupy themselves elsewhere during the day.
The study conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development reveals that around 5 Million Americans qualify for homeless shelters in the United States. The average stay in a homeless shelter was found to be seven months out of a year.
Affordable Housing 411 offers information about homeless shelters and other resources to enable individuals to find safe housing for themselves and their families. By entering the zip, city, or state code, the individuals looking for the shelter can find out a list of nearby shelters. Besides this, you also get information concerning other housing programs from HUD, PHA, and referral programs.
We at Affordable Housing 411 are committed to helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing them with accurate and up-to-date information about the diverse housing programs and resources. There are a variety of housing assistance programs for people experiencing homelessness in the United States.
The primary responsibility of these programs is to provide funds to the local, and state governments and non-profit organizations so that they can put an end to homelessness. The programs to address homelessness include:
Continuum of Care program (CoC)
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a Continuum of Care program to address homelessness. The program provides a range of services such as emergency shelter, permanent housing, and transitional housing.
Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG)
The Emergency Solutions Grants program provides funding to local or state governments to support ways to overcome homelessness like emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and homeless prevention.
Supportive Housing Program (SHP)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers funding for the Supportive Housing Program to assist individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to substance abuse disorders or mental health issues.
Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Program (VASH)
The Department of Veteran Affairs offers a VASH program. The program provides vouchers for rental assistance and case management services to homeless veterans and their families.
Besides this, seven national organizations assist in the upkeep of homeless shelters. The main organizations supporting the homeless shelters are:
- National Alliance to End Homelessness
- The Salvation Army
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- Covenant House
- Feeding America
Homeless shelters work with plenty of other organizations to support and help homeless people improve their situations. The housing vouchers available from HUD are significant to prevent families from becoming homeless again. The program’s goal is to make the individuals capable of leaving the shelter system permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Statutory and Regulatory Authority

Statutes
Section 202, Housing Act of 1959
- 12 U.S.C.A. § 1701q
Section 811, National Affordable Housing Act of 1990
- 42 U.S.C.A § 8013
Select HUD Regulations
- 24 C.F.R. Part 247 (evictions)
- 24 C.F.R. Part 891 (supportive housing for the elderly and persons with disabilities)
HUD Resources

For more information, search to contact your local HUD .